Two cases of West Nile Virus confirmed in San Bernardino County

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health on Wednesday confirmed two human cases of West Nile virus — the first such cases confirmed within the county this year, according to a department news release. Infected mosquitos transmit the virus when they bite.

The victim in both cases is an elderly man, the news release states. Both are receiving medical care.

Spokesperson Claudia Doyle said one man lives in the west side of the county in a place conducive to mosquitos, while the other man lives in a place not conducive to mosquitos but travels frequently.

“Although, the risk of serious illness to most people is low, in some people, WNV infection can cause serious disease and can be fatal,” San Bernardino County Health Officer Maxwell Ohikhuare states in the news release.

Signs and symptoms of the virus may include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headache. “Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms,” the news release states. “However, some people may develop severe symptoms which can lead to brain inflammation or paralysis.”

Preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to avoid being infected with the virus, the news release states. People can do so by avoiding spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active; wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts that are loose fitting and light colored; removing or draining all standing water around your property where mosquitoes lay eggs (birdbaths, ponds, old tires, buckets, clogged gutters or puddles from leaky sprinklers); applying insect repellent containing DEET; and making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

The California Department of Public Health has reported increased West Nile virus activity across the state.

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